Name: French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large round loaf of sourdough or pull-apart bread; 1 pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 packet au jus gravy mix; 2 cups water

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If you are on the lookout for a scrumptiously satisfying appetizer that brings everyone around the table, the French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine warm, soft pull-apart bread stuffed to the brim with tender, thinly sliced roast beef and melted cheese, all brushed with a flavorful buttery blend before baking to golden perfection. The star of the show is the rich au jus that makes every bite a delicious dip-worthy experience — perfect for sharing at parties, game days, or a cozy night in. This recipe combines bold flavors and inviting textures, delivering a mouthwatering dish that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. In the center top is a large piece of raw red meat on a white plate. To the right, there is a small white bowl with two pats of butter and a sprig of fresh thyme next to it. Below the meat, there is a white bowl filled with chopped white onions. At the bottom left, a white plate holds five soft white rolls stacked on each other. Above the rolls, there is a small white plate with several round slices of pale yellow cheese. To the left of the cheese, there are four small white bowls holding sliced garlic, a mix of black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, a small amount of brown sugar, and a dark liquid, likely soy sauce. Near the top left corner, a clear glass measuring cup contains brown broth, and at the bottom right, another clear measuring cup filled with dark broth or liquid completes the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the bread provides the soft, pull-apart base; the beef introduces savory richness; the cheese adds gooey, melty goodness; and the buttery seasoning elevates every bite with its aromatic punch.

1 large round loaf of sourdough or pull-apart bread: Choose a fresh, sturdy loaf that can hold all the fillings without falling apart.
1 pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced: Tender slices bring in that classic French dip meatiness.
2 cups shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese: These cheeses melt beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy pull-apart effect.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and moisture while helping the seasonings soak into the bread.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and umami depth to the butter mixture.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory note to each bite.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity without overpowering.
1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceousness.
1 packet au jus gravy mix: The dipping sauce that defines the French dip experience.
2 cups water: Used to prepare the au jus, balancing richness with a flavorful liquid dip.

How to Make French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Au Jus

Start by preparing your au jus gravy mix according to the package directions using 2 cups of water. This warm, savory dipping sauce is the heart of the French dip experience, so set it aside and keep it warm while you assemble your bread.

Step 2: Score the Bread

Take your round loaf of sourdough or pull-apart bread and carefully cut it into a crosshatch pattern. Be sure not to slice all the way through the bottom of the loaf—this technique allows the fillings to nestle inside while keeping the bread intact for easy sharing.

Step 3: Stuff with Roast Beef

Generously tuck the thinly sliced roast beef into every crevice you created. This ensures that each pull-apart section is bursting with that tender, meaty flavor. Don’t be shy—pack it in evenly for the best bite.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Next, fill the bread with shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly so that when melted, it creates gooey goodness connecting every savory section.

Step 5: Prepare the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. This flavorful butter blend seeps into the bread as it bakes, infusing every nook and cranny with irresistible richness and aroma.

Step 6: Pour Butter Over Bread

Evenly drizzle the butter mixture all over your stuffed loaf, allowing it to soak deep into the cuts. This step is crucial for creating that tender, flavorful bread exterior with just the right amount of crispness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Wrap the bread loosely in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top turns beautifully golden.

Step 8: Serve Warm with Au Jus

Finally, serve your French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe warm with the au jus on the side for dipping. Get ready for ooey, gooey bites dipped in savory sauce that will have everyone reaching for more.

How to Serve French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe

French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions on top adds a refreshing pop of color and slight herbaceousness, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese perfectly. For extra excitement, offer a side of pickled jalapeños or mild banana peppers to bring a little tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with simple sides like a crisp green salad or crunchy vegetable sticks to provide a textural contrast. A bowl of creamy coleslaw or a light cucumber salad can also complement the hearty flavors of the pull-apart bread, making the meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Present the French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe on a large wooden board surrounded by small ramekins of au jus, mustard, and horseradish sauce for dipping variety. This makes it perfect for communal eating and adds to the convivial, cozy vibe. For parties, cut the pull-apart sections into bite-sized pieces and arrange them as sliders for easy handling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil and then placed inside an airtight container. Keep the leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 to 3 days to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze your assembled but unbaked French Dip Pull Apart Bread by wrapping it securely in foil and then placing it inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed—perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the bread and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Serve immediately with warmed au jus for dipping to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While a sourdough round loaf gives great texture and tang, you can use other sturdy breads like a round Italian bread or a sturdy pull-apart loaf. Just make sure it’s dense enough to hold the fillings without collapsing.

What’s the best cheese to use for French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe?

Provolone and mozzarella are fantastic for melting qualities and mild flavor. For a slightly sharper, traditional touch, Swiss cheese is also an excellent option that pairs beautifully with roast beef.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! For a vegetarian twist, substitute the roast beef with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions, and keep the cheese and au jus for dipping. While it won’t be a traditional French dip, it will still be delicious and satisfying.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Be careful not to over-soak the bread with the butter mixture. Also, wrapping the bread loosely in foil prevents it from browning too quickly while baking. Serve it immediately while warm for best texture.

Is this a good recipe for parties?

Definitely! The pull-apart format encourages communal eating and sharing, making the French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to serve and enjoy during social gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This French Dip Pull Apart Bread Recipe is an absolute winner when it comes to irresistible comfort food that brings people together. Its blend of tender roast beef, melted cheese, buttery savory bread, and rich au jus is something that feels like a special treat without any fuss. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a casual party, or simply craving an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it over and over again!